Jacaranda FM Newswatch - Interviews

When around 20,000 women marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria 70 years ago, something remarkable happened. They showed that women don't need men to highlight their struggles in society, but that they can do it themselves. Looking back at that March back in 1956, Professor Amanda Gouws from the Univeristy Stellenbosch, told Marlinée Fouché this realisation stands out for her. Latest news on our website

In women's month, we're shining the light on women making waves in their respective fields of work. When it comes to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, there's still a long way to go to reach equality, but there is meaningful progress. Professor Nox Makunga, at the University Stellenbosch, is passionate about busting the myth about women in these fields. Marlinée Fouché reached out to Makunga to hear more about the stereotypes women on the continent faces today, and how things are changing. Latest news on our website

Driving along the highways of Gauteng, it's hard to miss the blanket of dust and smoke hanging over the province in every direction, but where does it come from and where is it going? The South African Consortium of Air Quality Monitoring, is making air pollution their business. Their network of monitoring systems across Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga can detect pollution clouds, and predict where they're heading. According to Professor Bruce Mellado, the Executive Director of the South African Consortium of Air Quality Monitoring, South Africa now has one of the biggest air quality monitoring networks on the continent. Marlinée Fouché spoke to Mellado about how these systems work and why we need it. Latest news on our website

Former Independent Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) head Advocate Andrea Johnson is facing renewed scrutiny after the Madlanga Commission heard a cellphone recording in which she encourages State Advocate Drushanta Ramsamy to avoid testifying before the inquiry while also criticising the conduct of the commissioners. Latest news on our website

July 6, 2025, began like any other winter’s Sunday in South Africa: a quiet end to a cold weekend, with no indication that the day would soon become a defining moment in the country’s political and criminal justice landscape. By the end of that Sunday, the national conversation had changed. A press conference led by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi would send shockwaves through South Africa as he revealed serious allegations of fraud, corruption, money laundering, criminal networks, and alleged political interference within the country’s criminal justice sector. The revelations marked the beginning of a process that would raise difficult questions about accountability, governance, and public trust in the institutions responsible for protecting South Africans. One week later, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation, announcing the establishment of what would become widely known as the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The first public hearings began on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, with the opening session featuring highly anticipated testimony from Mkhwanazi, the man whose allegations had set the inquiry in motion. In this special limited series, Jacaranda FM Newswatch Newscast Editor Gerda de Sousa speaks to Newswatch journalist Anastasi Mokgobu, who has been covering the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry’s public hearings. By: Gerda de Sousa & Anastasi Mokgobu Produced by: Emile Pienaar Latest news on our website

It’s been three years of untold violence in Sudan, as the civil war between the army and the paramilitary group RSF rages on. Emile Pienaar takes you to the heart of a battle – of which the world knows very little. Doctors Without Borders, one of the few humanitarian organisations still operating in the region, provides a rare glimpse of what’s happening in the so-called Forgotten War of Atrocities… Latest news on our website

Chief Scientific Advisor at MARTI TB Diagnostics and an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology at the University of Pretoria, Jan Verschoor, said quick early diagnosis of Tuberculosis (TB) is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a priority. On Tuesday the United Nations commemorated world TB day with the focus on the estimated 1.2 million people who die every year of this centuries old disease. Latest news on our website

The Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, says South Africans don't have to wait in long lines at Home Affairs Offices to get their smart ID Cards anymore. In an interview with Jacaranda FM Newswatch, Schreiber outlined how the department partnered with the country's big banks, to implement one of its most significant reforms in the department's history. LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE: Customers of participating banks, simply have to show up at their bank. No documentation is required from civilians either, because the new system use biometric technology to verify your information. All you have to do, is to provide your fingerprints, look into a camera for a photo, sign their application, and pay the fee. Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Nomfundo Twala asked Schrieber what you need to know. Latest news on our website

Iran, which controls an essential oil transport route known as the Strait of Hormuz, has since closed it as the war with the US and Israel rages on, making it impossible for some oil-producing nations to sell their oil. This has caused crude oil prices to skyrocket. Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Emile Pienaar spoke with Daniel Silke, Director of the Political Futures Consultancy in Cape Town. Latest news on our website

Listen in as Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, shared his vision with Jacaranda Newswatch's Nomfundo Twala for the department over the next 100 days. From science to sustainability, he aims to repair environmental damage, support communities, and rejuvenate South Africa’s tourism hotspots. Latest news on our website

The Tshwane Metro Police Department has issued a warning to motorists: vehicles, trailers, caravans, or motorcycles impounded between 2001 and 2024 that are not collected by 28 February 2026 will be crushed. Owners or registered title holders who want their vehicles back, have to report to the TMPD Pound on Madiba Street in Pretoria Central, with a valid ID and vehicle registration documents. However, before they can claim their vehicles, they will have to settle the fines, and pay the impound and storage charges. Member of the Tshwane Mayoral Committee for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, explained to Jacaranda Newswatch's Mmangaliso Khumalo, why unclaimed vehicles will be crushed... Latest news on our website

The recent study by the University of the Free State about the safety of sanitary products in South Africa, has caused concern among women over their health and safety. The study detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) substances that can interfere with hormones in nearly 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight panty liners available on the South African market. According to Professor Deon Visser from the university’s Chemistry Department, while the chemicals were found in low concentrations, they mimic hormones and could still pose potential health concerns. Medical manufacturer and humanitarian, Dr. Ruth Apostolov, spoke to Jacaranda FM Newswatch about the alternatives. She told Faith Modise another option is the use of menstrual cups. Latest news on our website

Johannesburg City Power CEO, Tshifularo Mashava has tendered her resignation on Wednesday to the chairperson of the board. The board is expected to sit down and discuss the succession for the CEO position. Mashava confirmed in her resignation letter that its time for her to search for a new source for her personal and professional power. She will leave her office at the end of March. Mashava has led the power utility through testing times that include loadshedding, campaigns to target and clamp down on illegal electricity connections across the City of Johannesburg, and structural challenges. In an exclusive interview, City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena told Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Faith Modise what the this resignation means for their daily operations. Latest news on our website

Rand Water already pumping 'more than licence allows’ amid supply crisis Rand Water spokesperson Makenosi Maroo spoke with Jacaranda FM Newswatch's Emile Pienaar. This comes as large areas of Johannesburg are still without water, and parts of Tshwane are also struggling with erratic supply. Maroo said Rand Water is currently pumping more water to municipalities than it is licensed to, but the problem of excessive consumption remains. Latest news on our website

United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly said America “has to have” Greenland for the country's national security. This has been met with fear, confusion and anger from the Greenlandic people. Emile Pienaar spoke with Lena Kleist Timmermann, a nurse with a Master's in Clinical Nursing who currently lives in Denmark but grew up in Greenland. Latest news on our website

The newly appointed National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi, has assured South Africans that the National Prosecuting Authority will continue to prioritise cases from the State Capture Commission. Latest news on our website

Midrand residents have voiced their immense frustration over the area’s ongoing water supply disruptions, saying the situation is making daily life almost impossible. Johannesburg Water has blamed rapid development in the area, saying it is placing significant strain on existing water infrastructure. Residents, however, say this excuse holds little water. Latest news on our website

British American Tobacco’s decision to shut down its only manufacturing plant in South Africa has raised concerns about the growing scale of illicit trade in the country. The company will cease cigarette production locally by the end of the year. Area Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Johnny Moloto and Lesedi Local Municipality representative Mluleki Nkosi say the closure will have significant economic impacts. Moloto explained that despite years of cost-cutting, staff reductions and efficiency improvements, the plant is no longer sustainable or competitive within the group. Nkosi added that the municipality is already feeling the financial strain, with monthly payments dropping from R18 million before COVID-19 to about R1.2 million. Latest news on our website

As South African pupils and teachers are preparing for the beginning of the new academic year, Teacher's Unions, continue to advocate for better working environments for their members ---- be it infrastructure, violent behaviour from school children or mental health. Nomfundo Twala posed some of these questions to Basil Manuel. He told her, that no teacher should be ashamed when they experience violence in the classroom. Latest news on our website

The thrill of online gambling has hit South Africa. Its popularity has surged, especially among young people. According to official data presented by the National Gambling Board to Parliament in October, the total gambling turnover for the 2024/25 financial year reached R1.5 trillion. November is recognised as Gambling Awareness Month in South Africa. Chanel September has more... Latest news on our website

The humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, said the healthcare system in Gaza has been destroyed. MSF's International President, Dr Javid Abdelmoneim, has called on world leaders to drastically increase the number of medical evacuations from Gaza. Emile Pienaar spoke with MSF's Emergency Coordinator in Gaza, Jacob Granger. Latest news on our website

Artificial Intelligence is trickling into every part of our daily lives, and the classroom is no exception. AI is here to stay, and although a bit of initial hesitance could be valuable, avoiding it completely could become a significant setback for both teacher and educator. Latest news on our website

Die fotograaf Wim van den Heever, gebore en getoeë hier in Suid-Afrika, het die wêreld aan die gons. Sy foto van ‘n bruin hiëna in Kolmanskop, Namibië het daartoe gelei dat hy aangewys is as die Natural History Musem in Londen wildlewe- fotograaf van die jaar. Dis basies fotograwe se Oscars. Dit het hom tien jaar geneem om dié wenfoto vas te lê in Namibië se spookdorp. Van den Heever het vroeër die week tyd afgestaan om vanuit Londen met Marlinée Fouché te praat oor die pad tot hier. Latest news on our website

The grandson of former President Nelson Mandela, Mandla Mandela has recalled the harsh conditions they experienced while detained at Israeli prison. The group of South African activists who formed part of the Global Sumud Flotilla returned to home soil on Wednesday after being prevented from accessing Gaza and subsequently deported from Israel. Latest news on our website

On Monday the Nobel Prize for Physiology was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi for their discoveries on how the immune system functions and how autoimmune disease work. Emile Pienaar spoke with the Head of Medical Research in School of Medicine at the University of Pretoria, Botle Damane, to unpack the real world impact of this discovery. Latest news on our website

Paediatric Oncologist Professor Mariana Kruger at Stellenbosch University explained that there is a vast population in rural areas where it takes longer to get to primary medical facilities and secondary hospitals. Latest news on our website

Suid-Afrika se biodiversiteit is onlosmaakbaar deel van die land se erfenis, en voordat Erfenismaand verby is, vier ons die ontdekking van ‘n splinternuwe plantspesie, Moraea Anastasia. Dr Brian du Preez, verbonde aan die Universiteit Kaapstad - is passievol oor bewusmaking en die bewaring van inheemse plante. Dit het daartoe gelei dat hy 'n nuwe plantspesie ontdek het - en skouer aan die wiel sit om die omgewing te bewaar. Marlinée Fouché het by hom gaan kers opsteek: Latest news on our website

National Treasury’s decision to withdraw its proposed VAT hike has left a R78-billion gap in the national budget, forcing Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to explore new ways to raise revenue and curb government spending. Treasury had initially planned to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) by 1%, moving it from 15% to 16%, in an effort to boost revenue. However, the proposal was met with swift public backlash, prompting its reversal on Thursday. Jacaranda FM news reporter Mmangaliso Khumalo spoke to Leonard Willemse, Director at AJM Tax, for more insight into the developments. Latest news on our website

South Africa grapples with a stark reality; staggering youth unemployment and the numbers unfortunately paint a grim picture. The country’s national unemployment rate stood at 32.1% in the third quarter of last year. According to Statistics South Africa, the official unemployment rate among young people aged 15 – 34 years was 45.5%. Concern is mounting that this figure could rise, especially in a modern and ever-changing world with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. But is AI the villain in South Africa’s job crisis – or is it the answer the country needs to spark more new job opportunities than ever imagined. As part of a special feature, Jacaranda FM’s Chanel September looks at the possible impact of AI on the job market… Latest news on our website

Advocacy manager for Women and Men Against Child Abuse, Luke Lamprecht has expressed shock following the news of a 35-year-old South African male who was arrested in Midrand on Friday after he was found in possession of about 10 million photos and videos of child abuse material. The arrest followed information received from international law enforcement agencies - including the FBI - about the suspect's Johannesburg operation. Lamprecht spoke to Mmangaliso Khumalo. Latest news on our website

South Africa has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence on the globe. As we recently observed 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, it is important to recognise that while physical abuse remains a critical issue, another subtle form of violence that often escapes the spotlight is on the rise. Chanel September has more... Latest news on our website

As South Africa continues to battle the scourge of gender-based violence, experts say strong support systems are key to breaking the cycle of abuse. Latest news on our website

As South Africa observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, spouses are often encouraged to leave toxic relationships. Latest news on our website

When women and children flee abusive relationships, their journey to safety and healing is often filled with immense challenges. Latest news on our website

Vra jy die deurslag nie-regeringsorganisasie, wat hulle droom is in die stryd teen geslagsgeweld, is dit dienslewering. Veral wat veilige ruimtes betref waar slagoffers van geweld, gehelp word en veilig kan voel. Terwyl die regering beloof dat hy werk maak hiervan, rol vroue wat geslagsgeweld deurleef het, die moue op, om hierdie ruimtes te skep. Lede van die One Thousand Women trust, wat woon in sogenaamde GBV-Hotspots, stel kamers in hulle huise beskikbaar vir slagoffers, op tye van die dag, wat niemand anders beskikbaar is nie. Marlinée Fouché het gaan uitvind hoe dit werk. Latest news on our website

Nadat twee Suid-Afrikaners in Suid-Soedan ‘n boodskap stuur aan The Drive with Rob and Roz, besluit Marlinée Fouché en Emile Pienaar om kontak te maak. Hulle praat met ‘n kontrakvlieënier wat vlieg waar kommersiële vlugte verbyhou, ‘n konvooileier wat maande op die Wit Nyl deurbring om humanitêre hulp te versprei en die landbou-organisasie wat nie uitgepraat kan raak oor die potensiaal op die ewenaar nie. Latest news on our website

EFF leader Julius Malema has revealed that former party chairperson Advocate Dali Mpofu previously suggested that the EFF merge with other progressive parties under the leadership of former president Jacob Zuma. Latest news on our website

The two-pot retirement system has officially taken effect. Both the Pension Funds Amendment Act and Revenue Law Amendment Act provide for pension fund members to access a portion of their funds before retirement. The legislation creates a savings pot for a third of the funds, while the other two-thirds will be kept in the second pot for retirement. Neil Roets from Debt Rescue SA says South Africans do not understand and appreciate the consequences associated with the two-pot system. Latest news on our website

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, says he plans more meetings to try and find solutions for the ongoing fight over the sub licensing rights for television sports events. Latest news on our website

Senior Director for Technical Support at Mimecast, Heino Gevers, says South Africa’s complex financial system makes it a prime target for hackers. Latest news on our website

A constitutional law expert says it is unclear on what basis an international court could make a finding on the fairness of South Africa’s general elections. Latest news on our website

Senior Researcher at the Centre for Africa Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Oscar van Heerden adds there should be a stronger media campaign to signal to investors that a GNU is on the right track in solving problems Latest news on our website

Senior Researcher at the Centre for Africa Diplomacy and Leadership at the University of Johannesburg, Dr Oscar van Heerden, says political party leaders now need to show maturity. Latest news on our website

University of Johannesburg, Centre for Africa diplomacy and leadership, Researcher Dr Oscar van Heerden says failure to finalise the GNU will mean that South Africans may have to vote again. Latest news on our website

University of Johannesburg, Centre for Africa diplomacy and leadership, Researcher Dr Oscar van Heerden says the ANC has been trying to contact the MK Party but to no avail. Latest news on our website

South Africans now know what to expect in the formation of the country's seventh administration after the confirmation that political parties are discussing forming a Government of National Unity (GNU). Latest news on our website

South Africa held its seventh democratic elections on Wednesday, with scores of young voters exercising their right to vote for the first time. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) says 42% of those who registered to vote in the national and provincial elections are between the ages of 18 and 39. Latest news on our website

Al Jama-ah party leader Ganief Hendricks is confident that the party has done enough work on the ground to unseat the DA in the Western Cape. Latest news on our website

The party has been consistent in trying to amend the South African constitution, which allows for the termination of pregnancy. Latest news on our website

Jacaranda FM News spoke to smaller parties represented in Parliament on their plans to keep their seats. Latest news on our website